SSv Album Review: My Brightest Diamond - All Things Will Unwind

I guess somewhere in that several month absence from blogging here, I never linked to my review of the latest My Brightest Diamond album. This album features an assist from neo-classical ensemble yMusic. It's a good listen, and my review is a good read. So go check it out.

[SSv Review: All Things Will Unwind]

Here is the video for lead single "We Added It Up."

SSv Review: Build - Place

Modern classical... indie classical... neo-classical... chamber music... whatever you want to call the genre, it's become one of my current favorites and one that I continue to dive further into. Which is why I jumped at the chance to review the latest album from Build. My review is up over at Stereo Subversion.Go read it...

[SSv Review: Place]

SSv Review - Marissa Nadler

My review of Marissa Nadler's self-titled, self-released album is now live on Stereo Subversion. This was the second time I reviewed the singer-songwriter for the site, as my write-up of her awesome previous album Little Hells was published on SSv two years ago. For Nadler this is another notch in her impressive catalogue, and a personal accomplishment with the album being fully funded by her fans. Check out my review of it...

[SSv Review: Marissa Nadler]

SSv Album Review: Shabazz Palaces - Black Up

The moment I first hear about Shabazz Palaces I became very excited. Being a long time fan of Ishmael Butler, it was good to see he was returning with new music and that it was being described as beyond anything he had ever done before. Sub Pop Records scooped him up after an EP double dose which paved the road for Butler's first full album under the Shabazz Palaces moniker. Black Up doesn't officially hit the streets until June 28th, but I got an advanced listen and have written a review for Stereo Subversion. My words about this spectacular album can be read over there now. Click the below link to take a look.

[SSv Review: Black Up]

SSv Album Review: The Cave Singers - No Witch

A review I wrote a while ago just got published over on Stereo Subversion. It's of the latest album from the Cave Singers, No Witch. So go check it out.

If you haven't been following that site, please do. They have gone through some major changes as of late: redesign, daily news postings, more live reviews, soon-to-be expanding book section. So there is more content coming from them then ever before. For now, read my review..

[SSv Review: No Witch]

SSv Album Review: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Departing

I have a review of the new album from The Rural Alberta Advantage on Stereo Subversion. The site has recently gone through a complete redesign, which looks pretty good. The rating scale has also been revamped, along with the addition of some new features. They seem to be making a push to become a bigger presence. It's exciting to see where they're going. But for now check out my review, and take a look around.

[SSv Review: Departing]

i like Chelsea Wolfe: The Grime and The Glow & Ἀποκάλυψις

Everything about Chelsea Wolfe has come off as mysterious, and at some points even a little confusing. There was series of videos that looked like they could give even Freddy Kruger a nightmare. Her promotional photos frequently feature Wolfe out of focus or as a shadowy figure in the distance, almost in a matter to mask her identity. Then her debut album officially dropped the very last week of 2010, missing any of the end-of/best-of the year buzz that it should have garnered. One thing that has no mystery is the simple fact that her music is gorgeous.

Wolfe’s debut The Grime and The Glow has a lot of haunting echoes to it, both literally and figuratively. Wolfe’s ethereal voice creeps from out of the air like full moon lit incantations of a witchcraft ritual buried deep in the woods. The lo-fi production further clouds her with despair making each song sound like its a plea sung from the deathbed. On a song like “Noorus” she is able to conjure up angst and anger at PJ Harvey levels. The piano driven "Benjamin" and lullaby “Halfsleeper” create folk ballads as bare boned as Marissa Nadler. Tracks like “Deep Talks” and “Widow” are both frightening and mesmerizing in their pure goth madness.

Ἀποκάλυψις, which translates to Apocalypse, either predates or succeeds The Grime depending on where you look (this is where the confusion comes in). The production of this album definitely feels like a sophomore effort, as some songs reappear more polished and cleaner. All the dark elements are still present. There are plenty images of the antichrist, demons, and Moses on both. But here Wolfe’s vocals have been brought to the forefront more, so when she says a line like “We could be two straight lines in a crooked world,” we feel the full effect of its recluse emotion.

The two albums are lush introductions to the frightening world of Chelsea Wolfe. With the sudden reemergence of goth in the indie scene, these are essential. The Grime and The Glow is available on limited-edition vinyl from Pendu Sound, and digitally with bonus tracks at the usual online retailers. Ἀποκάλυψις is currently only available via bandcamp. [UPDATE 3.06.11: Ἀποκάλυψις is no longer available on bandcamp as it will soon be released on vinyl by Pendu Sound.]

...and now here are some creepy videos.

Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me

One of my favorite new artists of the last couple years has definitely been alt-country darling Jessica Lea Mayfield. Her sophomore album Tell Me will be released via Nonesuch Records on February 8th. I was very excited to get my hands on this one early thanks to Stereo Subversion. So my review of this great record is up on that site right now. Check it out via the link below:

[SSv Review: Tell Me]

I highly recommend picking up this album. If interested (and you should be), there are two good pre-order offers available now. First, up on her site the pre-order gets you a free Live EP. Also on the Nonesuch Records site, their pre-order includes a free autograph 7" of the album's first single "Our Hearts Are Wrong."

There is a live performance of one of the standout tracks "Sometimes at Night" over at Relix. Take a listen/look at that to see why I'm very excited about this album.

i like: James Blake, the Album

James Blake is cashing in quickly from all the hype brought on from those best of year lists by dropping his full-length debut on February 8th via Atlas/A&M. The previous three EPs released in 2010 each explored a different style of production. Thankfully (at least for my money), his self-titled release most closely resembles the sparring, minimalist sound found on Klavierwerke. Highlight track “I Never Learnt to Share” finds Blake utilizing auto-tune and looping the haunting lyrics “My brother and my sister don’t speak to me./ But I don’t blame them,” over a increasingly thick synth beat. When he’s not sounding like a robot Blake’s voice lets off a soulful coon, best displayed on the first single “Limit to Your Love” (a Feist cover) and the closing track “Measurements.” There are some places where the choppy/off-beat loops deter from the quality, but those songs tend to be short and are saved by the harmonies. James Blake’s vocals and production emote immense resonance with the most minimal effects on this beautiful album.

Here is the video for "Limit to Your Love," Directed by Martin de Thurah.

i like: Cody ChesnuTT, Black Skin No Value

Cody Chesnutt is best known for collaborating with The Roots on their hit “The Seed 2.0” from 2002. But before that, Chesnutt’s version of “The Seed” appeared on his double album debut Headphone Masterpiece.  Recorded entirely on a 4-track in his home, Chesnutt delivered a highly acclaimed collection of lo-fi R&B, before lo-fi R&B was even cool. Now after an extended hiatus, a new social conscious dose has been delivered. The Black Skin No Value EP is clearly meant as nothing more than an appetizer with its six tracks totaling less than 12 minutes worth of music. The production has gotten cleaner, but elements of lo-fi remain as the central songs feature nothing but Chesnutt’s vocals backed up by sparse acoustics. “Everybody's Brother” has him painting a picture of that token former street thug who "used to smoke crack back in the day" but now "teach[es] kids in sunday school." The closers "Where is All the Money Going" and "To Be Upon the Perch" has Chesnutt reflecting on the American recession in a Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" type of style, the latter of which features the most emotion filled (but barely there) arrangement on the release.

Hopefully Black Skin No Value is just something to wet the palate. A full-length is long overdue, but this definitely quenches the thirst for a bit.

And here is a throwback with the video for "The Seed 2.0" with The Roots.

Lovers - Dark Light

Last year I reviewed the Lovers' I Am The West, and now my review for their latest album Dark Light is up via Stereo Subversion. Carolyn Berk continues to go the synth-pop route for this offering as well. Click below to read what I have to say about it.

[SSv Review: Dark Light]

The Boxing Lesson - Fur State

It's always nice to check in with The Boxing Lesson from time to time. One of my first exposures to the Austin scene, this band continues to impress every time I see them live. It's been a while since Wild Streaks & Windy Days, but from what I've been reading the band is hard at work on their next full release. In the meantime they dropped a little experimental nugget on the world, Fur State. Click the link below to read my review.

[SSv Review: Fur State]

Fur State is available on their bandcamp site in several options including cassette. That's right... a Fuckin' Cassette Tape!

The Boxing Lesson also has a show date coming up for Austin's Free Week. So locals should kick the new year off on Jan 2nd at Mohawk with a little space boogie from Paul and Jaylinn.

Agent Ribbons - Chateau Crone

Here is a review that went up on Stereo Subversion a while back that I never posted here on The Blog From Mars. Austin band Agent Ribbons is currently one of my favorite local acts. Chateau Crone is a great offering from them.

[SSv Review: Chateau Crone]

They also have a Daytrotter Session featuring songs from this album available for free download. Go here to check that out.

Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night

A while ago I reviewed Sarah Blasko's latest album. Which as usual, was exciting being that I was a huge fan of her previous releases. As I state in the review, Blasko is quit the hidden gem. Plus she's Australian, and chicks with Australian accents are hot. But getting back to the music, here is an excerpt of the review:

... we stand in front of Sarah Blasko’s latest. As Day Follows Night is Blasko’s most fulfilling release to date. The tracks are more constructed at all levels, giving a bigger sound to Blasko’s performance as she continues to navigate each song seamlessly with her vocal pirouettes.

So click the link below to read the full review.

[SSv Review: As Day Follows Night]

Blasko has also released a crop of cool videos off this album as well. Check out the duo below.

Wild Nothing - Gemini

My review for Wild Nothing's Gemini went up on Stereo Subversion a couple weeks ago. It gave me the chance to implement one of the key rules that every music blogger keeps on their checklist; When all else fails, just compare the band to The Cure. I also took the chance to mention one of my favorite filmmakers, John Hughes; which is another thing that I will jump at every opportunity to do. But as far as the actual music goes, below is a snippet and then a link to the review.

... The album fades in with “Live In Dreams,” a basic tone setter establishing the pace for much of the ride. Tatum’s vocals are just a half octave above monotone and almost emotionless — normally a sure strike — but it works for him just as it is an asset for Beach House’s Victoria Legrand. The mid-tempo beat itself boarders hallway between danceable and a wallflower’s sway.

[SSv Review: Gemini]

Sleepy Sun - Fever

A couple weeks ago I wrote a review of Sleepy Sun's latest album Fever for Stereo Subversion. It was pretty much a random pick that paid off. There's some good stuff on here.

Here is a snippet... The video for Sleepy Sun’s “Open Eyes” is a psychotropic blend of horror and confusion. Its opening sequence of astrological imagery gives way to four participants (one male, three female) coming together for what seems to be one hell of a supernatural séance. They sit around a circular table with tarot-like cards spread out before them. By the end of the clip the four have had their essence extracted though their mouths, each spiraling to the center of the circle in a white tornado that revels pagan representations within (think goat head with horns). The song itself starts off with muffled vocals, which sound like they were sung underwater. As it progresses the words become clearer. By the time the guitars kick it up a notch in time for that spiritual departure, we get a distinct declaration of “open your eyes.” The video takes a couple of views in order to grasp all the elements.

And here is the full review...

[SSv Review: Fever]

And here is the video for "Open Eyes" which I reference...

Evelyn Evelyn, the Album

The Evelyn Evelyn album is one that is bound to stir up some controversy. Actually, the concept of it already has people talking. But that's to be expected when two musicians dress up like carnival sideshow freaks, in this case conjoined-twins, to sing show tunes.

I'm not going to shy away from saying how much I love Amanda Palmer, but when I heard about Evelyn Evelyn I was a little skeptical. It's obviously a novelty act. And novelty acts can really come off on the corny side. Fortunately Palmer (and project co-twin Jason Webley) didn't shy away from everything that makes the concept gimmicky, because within its hokeyness lies its heart. I say that Evelyn Evelyn notches up another success for Palmer, who in my opinion is one of the most innovative musicians in indie today.

excerpt... Modeled as a carnival attraction itself, this Vaudevillian act is filled with show tunes, boisterous instruments, and silly lyrics. I dare to say, it all works magnificently.

Click over to Stereo Subversion to read my entire review:

[SSv Review: Evelyn Evelyn]

Balmorhea - Constellations

As mentioned previously here on The Blog From Mars, I'm working on a couple Austin-based pieces for Stereo Subversion. The latest of which is a review of the new release from Balmorhea.

Constellations is a damn good album. I had nothing but great things to say about it. I hate saying stuff like, 'this is one of my favorites of the year so far,' especially when it's so early in the year. But really, this is one of my favorite so far.

Excerpt... the nine tracks work as the stars, that when connected unfold an audio landscape. Using only instruments, they have created an album that is filled with more emotion, more feeling, and is as stunning than any one that uses lyrics to tell its story.

Jump over to SSv to read the entire review...

[SSv Review: Constellations]

Kath Bloom - Thin Thin Line

Here's one that I almost forgot that I even did, but..

I wrote a review for Kath Bloom's Thin Thin Line a while back and it's been posted up on Stereo Subversion. This is one that I randomly decided to review, not knowing much about Bloom. So I was an open book. Here is a little excerpt of what I thought:

For those wanting to see who’s caught the attention of Devendra Banhart and The Dodos, Thin Thin Line is a good starting point. Kath Bloom ends the album with “Not Through This Yet” where, despite the destitution, she clearly lets us know that it will be long before she hangs up the guitar. We benefit as the audience, and today’s folk scene is greater for it.

For the entire review click below...

[SSV Review: Thin Thin Line]

Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here

Here is another that I'm late in posing on this blog, but...

My review of the new Gil Scott-Heron album I'm New Here went up on Stereo Subversion. Let me tell you, this was a treat. This is his first studio offering in over 15 years and it totally took me by surprise. Scott-Heron's ability to deliver this powerhouse of an album is a testament to a true artist.

Here is an excerpt:

The first thing you must know about I’m New Here is that the smooth as butter vocals that decorated Scott-Heron’s earlier ventures into traditional R&B/soul are gone. The years of hardship have transformed a now 60-year-old voice into a grainy, rugged drawl that’s half way between elder Johnny Cash and your drunken uncle at the family barbeque. Within that lies much of the appreciation; it’s hard to imagine that this album would have the same appeal if Scott-Heron didn’t sound like he’s been to hell and back.

Read the entire review over on Stereo Subversion.

[SSv Review: I'm New Here]